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Weight

75-95 lbs

Height

Male: 24-26; Female: 22-24 inches

Color(s)

most colors, other than white, are permissible.

Overview

This breed was developed in the 19th century by Max Von Stephanitz who is considered to be the father of the German Shepherd. Revered for their versatility as companion and for their dedication to work, this breed has the distinction of being the first dog ever used as a guide for the blind. Today the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world.

Character

The German Shepherd is a breed of classic beauty and possesses superior intelligence. They are highly adaptable, energetic, curious, strong, and dependable. This breed displays a magnificent appearance and is extremely agile with great stamina and endurance.

Temperament

A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd is fearless, bold, hard working, and alert. They are esteemed for their loyalty, deep devotion, and courage. This breed thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are exceptionally wary of strangers. They will most generally get along with other household pets they have been raised with. This breed will attempt to perform the task of herding on anything and everything that moves. The German Shepherd is not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner.

Care

This breed requires daily brushing to minimize loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat. German Shepherds are prone to such health issues as blood disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, flea allergies, digestive problems, and chronic eczema.

Coat

The German Shepherd is a double coat breed. The outer coat is harsh, straight, and thick. The under coat is dense and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors such as black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, and sable. The German Shepherd comes in three varieties: rough coat, long hair, and long rough coat. This breed is a continuous shedder with seasonal heavy shedding.

Training

The German Shepherd requires early intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed is obedient and quick to learn. Training must be done with respect, firmness, fairness, reward, and consistency. They are exceptionally talented in tracking, schutzhund, agility, obedience, fly-ball, and ring sport. The German Shepherd is often used in police work, search and rescue, as a guide for the blind, and military work.

Activity

This breed is happiest when given a job to do. They require strenuous exercise and enjoy securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and a large safely fenced area to romp and run freely in. The German Shepherd will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and attention.

Ownership

Help reduce the number of German Shepherd puppies in shelters by doing your due diligence. Many puppies are often purchased with little or no knowledge of what goes into parenting one. Uneducated decisions often leave the puppy in need of adoption and in the care of rescue groups. Bringing home a puppy into your family has many benefits but we first implore you to educate yourself. An informed decision will take into account the characteristics of the breed, your lifestyle, expected veterinary care, the demands and limitations of owning one, their activity requirements and levels of companionship required.

Characteristics

Size:

Grooming Needs:

Exercise Needs:

Good With Dogs:

Watchdog Ability:

Featured German Shepherd Breeder

vom Kerschberger is focused on breeding for Character, Courage and Conformation. I'm the only breeder in the world who still has the famous unbeatable Wienerau bloodlines available! Proven for over 50 years and I intend to perpetuate this important bloodline. Pups are born and raised in the home!...

Ask a QuestionAbout German Shepherds

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Anonymous asked:

3/22/2015 1:14:55 PM

3/22/2015 1:14:55 PM

We had a German Shepherd that was diagnosed with canine OCD> Which caused her to spin in circles and biting her tail which caused us through our Vets recommendation to have her tail amputated! There is no cure for OCD but she stopped hurting herself! Her heart was full of love and she died from a stroke at the young age of 8, which I believe was caused by all the spinning she did! I want to know if this a common thing with German Shepherds? I would love another one but my nerves couldn't take the spinning again. Like I said her heart was full of love and she was a very good dog!

1 Comment

Anonymous

OCD in German Shepherds is rare, so it is very interesting to hear that your dog had it. If you decide to get another, please get one from a reputable, responsible and knowledgeable breeder that knows his/her dogs. Make sure that they know if their pedigree is OCD free and follow up on all references of past puppies to make sure that no OCD occurred in any of the dogs.3/22/2015 7:24:44 PM

Anonymous asked:

3/6/2015 10:29:35 AM

3/6/2015 10:29:35 AM

How hard is it to train a german shepherd puppy.

1 Comment

Anonymous

The German Shepherd breed is very intelligent and is quick to pick up training when done right. Get in contact with your local Positive Reinforcement trainer and set up your pup for Puppy Obedience classes and then Basic Obedience when your pup is older. This will give you a solid foundation with your pup in obedience and give you the tools to learn how to train your dog.3/6/2015 10:52:36 AM

Anonymous asked:

2/19/2015 2:13:03 PM

2/19/2015 2:13:03 PM

I read that a German Shepherd, reaches full growth, in 1 to 1 1/2 years. But sometimes, depending on the climate of an environment, it'll be full grown in 2 or 3 years. Is this true?

1 Comment

Anonymous

The rate the dog will grow depends on the pedigree of the dog, not the environment/climate. Most German Shepherds are full grown at a year to a year and a half old, but some can take as long as 2 years to fill out fully. But by two years old, your Shepherd is full grown body and mind.2/19/2015 5:25:39 PM

Anonymous asked:

2/15/2015 12:32:45 PM

2/15/2015 12:32:45 PM

I have a solid Black German Shepherd and I am thinking about breeding her to a black and tan German Shepherd. Is this a good idea, why or why not?

1 Comment

Anonymous

Unless your dog is of impeccable breeding, is titled and has cleared her health checks, she should not be bred. Breeding for the sake of breeding is the reason why there are so many dogs in shelters/rescues and why so many health issues plague many dog breeds these days. It would be wise to have your dog spayed so that she can live a long and happy life with you.2/16/2015 5:54:53 PM

Anonymous asked:

2/4/2015 8:35:26 PM

2/4/2015 8:35:26 PM

What should I be most concerned about when considering a German Shepherd puppy, given I have two young children and live in an apartment complex.

1 Comment

Anonymous

Exercise and socialization. The German Shepherd breed is naturally protective and since you live in an apartment complex, it could spell problem if your dog becomes over-protective. As well, the German Shepherd breed is an active dog that needs a lot of exercise, they aver at least an hour and a half of running exercise a day to tire them out and so you do not have to worry about destructive behavior, separation anxiety or barking problems.2/5/2015 12:12:49 AM

Anonymous asked:

12/25/2014 5:08:59 AM

12/25/2014 5:08:59 AM

How long do they live for ?

1 Comment

Anonymous

The average life span of the German Shepherd is 10 years. However, longevity of the breed itself and each dog all depends on several things. Including genetics, what the dog is fed over its life time, how much exercise the dog gets over it's life time, and if the puppy injured by accident while young which can cause illness' in old age.12/27/2014 3:59:27 PM

Anonymous asked:

2/10/2014 10:03:21 PM

2/10/2014 10:03:21 PM

How much is a non-show quality German Shepherd? I am looking for a non-show quality German Shepherd puppy.

3 Comments

Anonymous

Any show quality dog is more than pet quality can get 1200 and up2/13/2014 7:21:14 AM

Anonymous

Typically a well bred shepherd will minimally run $1000. This is to cover the costs that breeder incurs when temperament testing, health testing, and raising and maintaining dogs of good quality. Whether you want a pet or not, it is a good idea to look to breeders who prove their dogs are breed worthy through temperament testing and health testing at the bare minimum. You may pay more upfront for a puppy from a responsible breeder like this, but you will save yourself thousands of dollars, liability problems, and heart break when you get a dog who has temperament flaws, behavioral issues, severe health issues and costs you more in the long run. I would question why a German shepherd is listed any less than $1000 for the reasons of how much it costs to prove those dogs are breed worthy... Look for dogs that have temperament testing and health testing through the orthopedic foundation for animals (offa.org)2/14/2014 8:30:38 PM

Anonymous

Depends on if you are wanting American Show, West German Show, West German Working, East German Working, Czech Working, Czech Show, etc. etc. There are many different lines of GSDs and each carries its own "price range". Well for the most part they do.
I would say a good average to set yourself up for is between 1200 and 1800 for any of these lines. The working lines on average are cheaper than the show lines, but that is not etched in stone.
You will find prices that blast the ones I posted away (up to 7k for an 8 week old puppy). I avoid such breeders. There is nothing that can guarantee an 8 week old puppy is going to grow up to be a $7000 dog. I can buy a titled adult, with hip and elbow stamps for that price!2/22/2014 9:26:13 PM

Anonymous asked:

10/14/2013 6:28:25 PM

10/14/2013 6:28:25 PM

Does the German Shepherd puppy harm kids?

6 Comments

Anonymous

No, German Shepherds actually are very protective of children. They make EXCELLENT family pets.10/19/2013 1:23:56 PM

Anonymous

No. German Shepherd's are protective of their family and very loyal. They are very intelligent and easy to train simple obedience. 11/18/2013 9:43:39 PM

Anonymous

A well-bred, well-trained, well-socialized German Shepherd, does not harm children. The dog must have a stable temperament first and foremost in order to survive the rigors of children. Temperament is genetic so it is imperative to find a breeder breeding for sound nerve, and proving that sound nerve through titles and temperament testing. Both the breeder and owner must be doing their part to ensure the dog is steady enough to be placed with children. It is not as simple as asking or saying a certain breed is good with children or not. It boils down to pedigrees, lines, and individual dogs. Hope this helps some! :-)11/26/2013 6:23:05 PM

Anonymous

Any dog can harm a child! My experience is that German Shepherd's will protect their family members. 2/21/2014 12:13:54 AM

Anonymous

German Shepherds can harm kids if not trained properly.2/10/2015 10:51:30 PM

Anonymous

I find the German Shepherd breed is excellent with children. I have mine around my small grandchildren and I find it important to teach the children to respect the dog as well! Have had Shepherds all my life and would stand fast that they are excellent family dogs and protective of ALL family members, some make better children watchers and protectors than people!!2/11/2015 1:20:06 PM

Anonymous asked:

7/24/2013 1:59:02 AM

7/24/2013 1:59:02 AM

What is the best top of the line food to feed German Shepherds the first 6 months of their lives I'm getting a German Shepherd pup at 8 wks and I want the best for it

2 Comments

Anonymous

Any good quality pet food is suitable for German Shepherds puppies so long as it is a puppy formula. However, the puppies need to stay on the puppy formula until they are between 12 months and 15 months. The reason for this, is that the puppy formula promotes strong bone growth where as putting them on an adult formula at 6 months can jeopardize the skeletal structure. Personally, I feed Blue Buffalo, lamb and oatmeal to my German Shepherds and they are doing great with it. 8/11/2013 9:35:45 PM

Anonymous

The previous answer offers wonderful information. In addition to Blue Buffalo, we have had success with Royal Canin. Royal Canin makes a german shepherd puppy formula that is fed until 15 months of age. We also always recommend adding probiotics for puppies. 12/1/2014 7:24:23 PM

Anonymous asked:

5/17/2013 7:52:22 AM

5/17/2013 7:52:22 AM

Best food for German Shepherd puppies?

2 Comments

Anonymous

A fair response would be a food your pups thrives on, that you also feel good about. We feed our German Shepherds of all ages Life's Abundance and I am proud to be a Independent field rep for the company! Dogs of all ages and breeds have done fabulous and love the food. 5/19/2013 3:48:30 PM

Anonymous

Anything made with a "large breed formula" is best. It has vitamins and minerals meant specifically to help large breed puppies as the grow and throughout life. 7/16/2013 11:52:02 AM

Anonymous asked:

4/6/2013 6:47:26 PM

4/6/2013 6:47:26 PM

How do i stop my 10 week old German Shepherd puppy to stop bitting me

2 Comments

Anonymous

Be consistent with saying "no" and make sure nobody else in the household is letting him bite.. even if they see it as "playing." While he is a puppy, its great to have treats or toys handy (back pocket, counter, end tables) to reward him when he does something good AND to distract him for a behavior that is bad (bitting you). Offering him a tug, a rope or even an old t-shirt so he can play tug-a-war with you. He may just want your attention and has no other way of letting you know. If his puppy teeth are bothering him a great chew to give is a cow hoof. They are sold at most pet supply stores (petsmart, petco) and are only $1 each and last for months. The solution is consistency. Let him know what is ok and what is not. Shepherd's are very smart dogs and thrive off your satisfaction with them. Give lots of praise when he does good, and you'll see how quickly he learns. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and your puppy!7/16/2013 11:25:19 AM

Anonymous

Just to add to the previous post, patience is a virtue. When training a puppy one must always have patience and to stay calm. Consistency and patience is always key with training but all family members must participate in training, and enforcing that training at all times. Once a German Shepherd is trained, does not mean they are done learning. You have to maintain their training on a daily basis. This ensures a happy pup and a happy family.8/11/2013 9:45:37 PM

Anonymous asked:

4/2/2013 10:34:30 PM

4/2/2013 10:34:30 PM

Do German Shepherds have drew claws and webbed feet?

2 Comments

Anonymous

German Shepherds have dewclaws on the front legs. Some breeders have them removed with the puppy is around 2 days old. If your dog doesn't have dewclaws, that's probably why. You should be able to fold back the hair on the inside of each leg near the foot and feel a little scar where the dewclaw once was. Shepherd's do not have webbed feet. It may seem like it because there toes are connected to one another at the base (just like our toes).7/16/2013 11:29:59 AM

Anonymous

Imported German Shepherds do not have dew Claws or webbed feet.. American German Shepherds do.. Mine are all whelped without. 12/3/2013 11:49:30 PM

Anonymous asked:

3/31/2013 9:53:08 AM

3/31/2013 9:53:08 AM

How long do German Shepherd's live

3 Comments

Anonymous

German Shepherd's live 11 to 13 years5/6/2013 3:29:34 PM

Anonymous

German Shepherds can live 13 to 15 years at their best6/7/2013 10:12:25 AM

Anonymous

Some German Shepherd's live up to 20 years old and still jump 3 foot fences2/10/2015 10:52:48 PM

Your female will start to flag between 9 and 15 days. Flagging is when they stop bleeding, hold there tail to the side and rub there hind on everything (you, a fence, a wall). This is also referred to as excepting because the female is ovulating and ready to breed. Once she stops ovulating the flagging and excepting will end. Some females will start to except earlier or later.. that all depends on the dog.
Before you breed its very important that you take the time to educate yourself. Your vet should also be a great source of information during this process. There is a lot that goes into breeding, caring for the mother and helping her raise the pups. For the sake of the little ones and there future please devote some time into making sure everything is done right. Best wishes!7/17/2013 11:36:55 AM

Anonymous asked:

3/11/2013 3:31:03 PM

3/11/2013 3:31:03 PM

starting training????? at what age should i start obedience training? my GSD is only 7 weeks old

3 Comments

Anonymous

There is no better time than now! Life will be a lot easier for the two of you if you start now. Manners are the most important for now. Basic commands will start setting in better at around 16 weeks. Don't wait until then to start though. Only because if you start at 16 weeks you will have 16 weeks of newly formed habits to undo. It will be very confusing for your puppy and very stressful for you.7/16/2013 11:43:16 AM

Anonymous

I start training puppies at 4 weeks old.2/1/2015 11:04:36 PM

Anonymous

All the above is right on!! The pups are very intelligent and the earlier the better!! Best of luck! Remember the dog is only as well behaved as it's trained to be!2/11/2015 1:27:50 PM

Anonymous asked:

3/8/2013 1:26:39 AM

3/8/2013 1:26:39 AM

a year old shepherd running off a year old queensland how to make him stop? Hachiko (German Shepherd) wants to hug all the attention adn subdues Quinn (queensland) by attempting to bite and growl at him and quinn is terrified and does not want ot get back to the house.
What do I do to make Hahiko stop, and be friendly with Quinn?

1 Comment

Anonymous

Hahiko will stop with consistent correction. Hahiko probably feels like he has the Alpha position in the household. You need to take that position from him before it ends in Quinn getting hurt. In order to gain the alpha position give commands and make him listen. Don't hit or yell but be firm and let him know you are serious. It might take a little bit but he will stop. 7/16/2013 11:48:12 AM

Anonymous asked:

2/28/2013 3:21:11 PM

2/28/2013 3:21:11 PM

German Shepherd ear fix how do you fix a shepherd's ear, one side is up but the other is only half way up, he is now 10 months old.

2 Comments

Anonymous

take it to the the vet4/16/2013 12:35:34 PM

Anonymous

A German shepherd you have to help keep ear up should not be breed. It is a defect in gene. I never pin my dog ear up. I have had a pup pick up ears at 7 weeks and never went down. I had a pup take almost five months to pick ears up. Large ears take longer due to weight of ears.. 12/3/2013 11:59:06 PM

Anonymous asked:

2/21/2013 1:17:17 PM

2/21/2013 1:17:17 PM

when are the heavy shedding seasons?

1 Comment

Anonymous

Spring and Fall, and the enviroment!! Good grooming and daily brushing help as well as good diet!!2/11/2015 1:31:17 PM

Anonymous asked:

2/16/2013 10:17:06 AM

2/16/2013 10:17:06 AM

what can be done about hip-dysplasia what can be done about hip-dysplasia in German Shepherds?

1 Comment

Anonymous

Depending on the severity and age sometimes you dont have a whole lot of options. If it's a dog that is not geriatric sometimes you can have surgery done but be prepared to pay for it. But your best thing to do is to avoid the increased risk of hip dysplasia by purchasing a puppy from a good blood like where the breeder is willing to give you a guarantee on the quality of the hips. Hope this helps! 6/5/2014 7:43:45 AM

Anonymous asked:

2/14/2013 3:41:56 AM

2/14/2013 3:41:56 AM

when should you separate puppies from their mother

1 Comment

Anonymous

The dam (mother) will automatically start pulling away from puppies as soon as they start spiking teeth. This is the wheening period and with this phase of the pups life, they start becoming more independent, and their personalities start forming. It is best to keep the puppies with their mother as much as she wants to be around them. She teaches them what is right and wrong, and she also lets the pups know when they have over stepped their boundaries. Even though the dam will start letting her young venture off without her, she will still play a dominant and influential role until they are about 8-12 weeks of age. It is best to part the pups from mom minimum 8 weeks to maximum 12 weeks.1/9/2014 12:43:55 AM

Once a GS starts killing other animals, can he be stopped? I.e. small goats and tonight, an opossum.

1 Comment

Anonymous

Yes they can be stopped(trained)2/6/2013 10:30:22 PM

Anonymous asked:

1/17/2013 12:25:45 PM

1/17/2013 12:25:45 PM

can dogs have heart attacks?

1 Comment

Anonymous

Dogs can have heart attacks. If you suspect yours or somebody elses dog you known might of had a heart attack, he/she needs to go to the vet immediatly.1/27/2013 8:31:13 PM

Anonymous asked:

1/14/2013 3:06:06 PM

1/14/2013 3:06:06 PM

Can dog handle below freezing weather? NEIGHBOR JUST GOT PUPPY.LEAVING IT OUTSIDE AT NIGHT IN BELOW FREEZING TEMP. HE SEEMS TO BE OK IN DAY. CONCERNED,

1 Comment

Anonymous

Some dog breeds handle cold or freezing weather better that others but I would never keep a dog outside at night in that cold of weather. I'm assuming it is a german shepherd and if so an adult is on thing because of it's fluffy coat but a puppy is another. Some dogs are built to withstand freesing weather such as alaskin malumutes which can survive in weather as cold as 70- but even a Alskin Malumute puppy I would not keep outside in such cold temps. If it is a just a couple degrees below, it's a bit concerning but the puppy should be fine. It would probably would be good to keep a watchful eye out for it. Hope this helps:) 1/27/2013 7:33:09 PM

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